Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Education

SD Unified Officials Warn Of Layoffs

San Diego Unified school officials say the state's new budget means there will be local teacher layoffs next year.

The district has avoided sending pink slips to permanent teachers over the past few years, but school officials say this year will be different.

The district faces a $140-million deficit for the 2011-2012 school year. They've had to cut roughly $400 million over the past several years.

Advertisement

The district's Nellie Meyers says the only thing left to cut are people.

"When I talk about a class size increase, I'm talking about layoffs," Meyers said. "When you increase a class size from 16 to 30, you are cutting teachers ... we have fought very hard to keep the teachers at the schools."

The layoffs will also translate into fewer athletic programs, limited career tech programs and a shorter school day in kindergarten. Officials are hoping a parcel tax on the ballot next month will stave off massive layoffs.